"Vulnerable” Children in “Dangerous” Places:Learning Disabled Children in Outdoor Green Space

Von Benzon, Nadia Rosemary (2016) "Vulnerable” Children in “Dangerous” Places:Learning Disabled Children in Outdoor Green Space. In: Risk, Protection, Provision and Policy. Geographies of Children and Young People . Springer, pp. 179-198. ISBN 9789812870346

Abstract

This chapter explores the notion of risk as it is managed in the context of the facilitation of learning disabled children’s access to outdoor green space. This context is argued to be particularly fascinating in terms of the governance of risk to children as it draws a spotlight on a particularly “vulnerable” population interacting with a particularly “dangerous” space. The discussion in this chapter focuses on the concept of stigma, a central theme in the disability studies discourse. This chapter suggests that it is through stigmatized institutional and familial practices that learning disabled young people are prevented from engaging with urban green spaces, as a result of both intimidation and overprotection.